Dorayaki Recipe (Japanese Pancakes)

Servings: 6 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner
A Japanese Dessert featuring soft, fluffy Dorayaki pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste.
Dorayaki anko pinit View Gallery 4 photos

What is Dorayaki?

Imagine biting into a soft, golden pancake with a slightly crisp edge, revealing a sweet, velvety red bean filling that melts in your mouth. That’s Dorayaki!

This beloved treat is essentially two fluffy pancakes sandwiched together with a generous amount of anko (sweet red bean paste). It’s been a favorite in Japan for over a century and has even made its way into pop culture, thanks to a certain blue robotic cat (yes, we’re talking about Doraemon!).

Dorayaki anko

Dorayaki vs. Western Pancakes: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, Dorayaki might look like a classic American pancake, but there are a few key differences. While American pancakes are often served in stacks, drenched in syrup and butter, Dorayaki is enjoyed as a self-contained snack, making it perfect for on-the-go treats.

The texture also sets them apart. Dorayaki are slightly denser, thanks to the addition of honey and a unique mixing method that creates an ultra-soft consistency. Plus, the filling makes all the difference! Instead of maple syrup or jam, it features anko, a smooth and subtly sweet red bean paste.

Dorayaki recipe

The Story Behind Dorayaki

The name Dorayaki” (どら焼き) comes from “dora” (銅鑼), which means gong, because these little pancakes resemble the shape of a traditional Japanese gong. According to legend, a wandering samurai once left his gong behind at a farmer’s house, and the farmer later used it to cook pancakes—thus, the Dorayaki was born!

Though its origins might be legendary, one thing is for sure: It’s one of Japan’s most popular sweets! It can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast (because who wouldn’t want to eat pancakes in the morning?).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super fluffy pancakes with a golden-brown finish
  • Only a handful of simple ingredients (that you probably already have!)
  • Perfectly balanced sweetness from the honey and anko
  • Easy to make at home, no fancy techniques required!
Dorayaki anko pinit
0 Add to Favorites

Dorayaki Recipe (Japanese Pancakes)

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 30 mins
Servings: 6

Description

Discover Dorayaki: a classic Japanese snack made with a smooth, chilled batter and filled with anko (sweet red bean paste). Perfect as a dessert or a sweet treat any time of day.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Mixing the Batter
    In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, white sugar, and honey until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.
  2. Sifting Dry Ingredients
    Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder into the egg mixture using a fine-mesh sieve. Stir until you obtain a homogeneous, lump-free batter.
  3. Resting the Batter
    Cover the bowl and refrigerate the batter for 15 minutes. This step helps the batter thicken and develop a lighter, fluffier texture when cooked.
  4. Cooking the Pancakes
    Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with oil using a paper towel or brush. Spoon a small circle of batter into the pan—the batter will naturally spread and puff up as it cooks. Allow the pancake to cook for about 1 minute or until small bubbles appear on the surface. Use a spatula to flip it carefully.
  5. Assembling the Dorayaki
    Place the cooked pancake on a plate. Spread a layer of anko generously on one side, making sure to cover the edges. Top with another pancake to create a sandwich. Repeat the process for the remaining pancakes.
Keywords: dorayaki, dorayaki recipe, dorayaki pancakes, how to make dorayaki, what is dorayaki, Japanese dessert, anko pancakes

Did you make this recipe?

Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.

pinit

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
What is anko, and can I substitute it?

Anko is a sweet red bean paste common in Japanese desserts. If you prefer, you can substitute it with other sweet fillings like custard or chocolate spread.

Can I make dorayaki ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it. Cook the pancakes fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

Do I have to let the batter rest in the fridge?

Yes, resting the batter helps it thicken and results in a lighter, fluffier pancake. Skipping this step might affect the texture.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Absolutely. Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Adjust measurements if needed, as gluten-free flours can behave differently.

How can I ensure the dorayaki pancakes are evenly cooked?

Use medium heat and a non-stick pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan and cook each pancake until you see bubbles before flipping. This ensures even cooking on both sides.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *